Director of Beeler Gallery

Director of Beeler Gallery

SUMMARY: The Director of Beeler Gallery leads the development and implementation of exhibitions, special events, and public programs that position the gallery as a vital cultural resource for CCAD and the Greater Columbus community. The Beeler Gallery is a 6,000-square-foot exhibition space, with additional programming opportunities in the adjacent atrium, 99-seat screening room, and 300-seat auditorium. Through these venues, the Director advances a dynamic slate of programming that fosters dialogue, supports inclusive community engagement, and connects students, artists, and the public. The Director also provides guidance and support for the college's student galleries, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and a cohesive exhibition ecosystem.

Grounded in CCAD's curricular and strategic priorities, the Director curates and oversees programming that serves as a pedagogical resource for students and faculty while contributing to the cultural vitality of the region. This includes exhibitions and programs that highlight the work of faculty, alumni, and regional artists in dialogue with national and international practitioners, as well as touring and guest-curated exhibitions. The Director ensures that all programming supports student learning, encourages critical inquiry, and strengthens meaningful connections between the college and the broader community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: includes but are not limited to the following:

• Develops and implements a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and programs for the Beeler Gallery that reflects contemporary practice and advances CCAD's curricular and strategic priorities.
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to support the effective, equitable, and pedagogically meaningful use of campus galleries dedicated to student work.
• Establishes and facilitates processes for faculty input and actively participates in committees and meetings to ensure Beeler Gallery programming supports and amplifies academic programs.
• Curates the fine arts components of Chroma, CCAD's annual campus-wide exhibition of student work, ensuring high-quality presentation and meaningful engagement.
• Collaborates with faculty and external curators, artists, and partners to develop exhibitions and programs that foster dialogue, critical inquiry, and community connection.
• Represents CCAD and the Beeler Gallery in professional, academic, and community settings, strengthening the college's visibility and partnerships within the arts and cultural landscape.
• Develops and delivers public programming that engages the Greater Columbus community and aligns with institutional priorities and relevant funding opportunities.
• Partners with Marketing and Communications to promote exhibitions and programs across print, web, social media, and public relations channels to expand audience reach and impact.
• Develops, manages, and monitors the annual gallery budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources in support of programmatic goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Beeler Gallery directly supervises the part-time Gallery Administrative Assistant undergraduate student workers, and contracted preparators, and carries out these supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting, training, and scheduling of a part-time Gallery Administrative Assistant, contracted preparators, and student workers
• Planning, assigning, and directing work
• Managing performance evaluation process for PT Gallery Admin
• Recognizing success, and addressing areas of opportunity
• Addressing employee-related matters and problem solving to resolve issues

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Desired skill sets:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and articulate a clear curatorial and programmatic vision for the Beeler Gallery, aligning exhibition strategies with institutional priorities while collaborating effectively and inclusively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary art and design practices, including awareness of emerging, regional, national, and international artists and trends.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage thoughtfully and professionally with artists, faculty, students, visiting partners, lending institutions, and college leadership.
• Proven ability to manage budgets responsibly, with strong financial acumen and a commitment to aligning resources with programmatic goals.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree preferred in Art, Art History, Curatorial Practice, Museum Studies, or a related field, or equivalent combination of a bachelor's degree and significant professional experience.
• A minimum of three years consecutive oversight in a gallery, museum, or a related experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

About Columbus College of Art & Design Columbus College of Art & Design teaches undergraduate and graduate students in the midst of a thriving creative community in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1879, CCAD is one of the oldest private, nonprofit art and design colleges in the United States. CCAD offers nine BFA programs and a Master of Professional Studies in User Experience Design that produce graduates equipped to shape culture and business at the highest level. Additionally, CCAD offers year-round community art classes for children and adults of all ages, led by local creators and designers skilled in their craft. For more information, visit ccad.edu.

About Columbus:

Columbus is among the Top 10 best U.S. cities for new college grads and one of the top 10 creative scenes in the country as well as one of the 15 most affordable cities in the U.S. As one of the nation's largest college towns Columbus is the type of city where creative activities flourish. There are eight distinct cultural districts that surround CCAD and there are more than 165 restaurants, pubs, and clubs in downtown alone. CCAD is a campus community located in the heart of this vibrant city.

EEO Statement

Columbus College of Art & Design ("CCAD") is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on an individual's race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. CCAD is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment.